Grand jury wants easier mayor removal

In response to the sexual harassment scandal involving former Mayor Bob Filner, the county grand jury is calling on San Diego residents to amend the city charter to add more causes for removing an elected official from office.

That proposed change is contained in the group’s advisory report, issued Thursday after panel members examined the charter and its perceived gaps.

Yes
76% (484)

No
24% (150)

634 total votes.

Jurors undertook the review after Filner pleaded guilty in October to one felony count of false imprisonment and two misdemeanor battery charges tied to the claims of sexual harassment and groping lodged against him.

Document

There is no specific charter provision for removal of a mayor or council member other than death, resignation or recall. The jury wants the city to specifically add a misdemeanor or felony conviction involving moral turpitude as cause for removal.

It also recommends adding a clause to remove officials declared insane, no longer a resident of the city or district they represent or unable to carry out their duties for 90 days unless excused by six council members.

The report also suggests the council put the proposed changes on the ballot rather than appointing a commission.

“The commission process is just as sensitive a political matter as are votes by city council members,” the jury wrote.

The city would save money, the grand jury said, by forgoing a charter commission in favor of council members conducting public hearings in their districts on proposed changes.

County grand juries consist of 19 residents who investigate, evaluate and report on the actions of local government entities.